Shaun King is one of the most prolific writers and observers of our time. His reporting on police brutality, police and municipal cover-up, the devastation heaped upon the victims’ families only to be vilified for standing up for their loved ones was something I looked forward to reading while dreading yet another story of a black life taken and families ruined. Shaun as much as anyone deserves credit for highlighting the plight of blacks in America when it comes to racial injustice at the hands of police, mayors, district attorneys, prosecutors, and a historically hostile judicial system.
But this is not about Shaun Kings accomplishments. This is about his defection, his quitting, his throwing in the towel. This is about Shaun exercising his right, which is his right to defect from the Democratic Party. Shaun cites a list of grievances that make it impossible for him to remain a member. So instead of remaining in the Democratic Party and affecting positive change from within he has decided to defect.
That Shaun would make such an announcement with the caveat that he will remain until after the election gave me pause. So why make this announcement before the election if he plans to uphold his “duty" and vote democrat? When I read Shaun’s announcement it did not strike me as moral indignation from someone who I have come to respect and admire. It struck me as a petulant person unable to face the hard fought and likely defeat of his chosen candidate.
The system has always been rigged. You would think that of all people Shaun understands that. Bernie was as familiar with the system if not more when in entered the race. But it is not just the System Bernie is railing against it is the millions of voters, about 3 million more so far that chose Hillary over Bernie.
The Jury System in America is rigged. The Voting System in America is rigged. The Criminal Justice System is rigged. Employment and Educational Systems are rigged. Banking and Loan Applications are rigged; all to favor the rich and non-minorities. This is neither new or right. But it is a fact of life that I thought we were working towards ending. So Shaun decides to quit? Thank goodness our parents and their parents decided to stay in the fight instead of quitting. Bernie is an Independent who chose to run on the Democratic Platform. There is a reason Bernie did this, no explanation needed as to why. So when Shaun quits the Party and defects to become an Independent or some other political affiliation how will that affect positive change in a two party system? It would take decades to create as current affairs illustrate. Bernie the Independent chose the Democratic Party because it is and was his best chance of affecting change. When he was winning all was well with the DNC when he began losing he railed against the Party Platform he chose to represent his policies and ideas. I have never met a politician who I agree with 100% and that includes President Obama. But I don’t defect, run, quit, give up. Sanders supporters remind me of the “Southern Strategy” in reverse. The damage will be the same.
It will dilute the vote and ensure that all the above mentioned rigged systems will remain in place. When the conservative media attacked Shaun and even questioned his race, we all stood with Shaun. We understood what motivated the attack and was having none of it. When protestors were being beaten, intimidated, and subjected to racial slurs at Trump rallies both Bernie and Hillary spoke out against it. But when it happened at a Bernie rally the silence was deafening. Bernie steadfastly refused to denounce it blaming it on the DNC, instead of a small but violent group of Bernie supporters. Bernie should have addressed the situation then in there., but he didn’t which is damning and affirming. Bernie is no different from the establishment when things don’t go his way. Bernie would bring us all down instead of affecting change from within. Bernie is losing thus far, and has decided to make us all losers?
Some will say that Shaun King is taking the moral high-ground. I don’t think so. Shaun is quitting. Waving the white flag of surrender, borne of anger, resentment, disillusion, and defeat. This coming from someone who I admire and respect is just, simply put, so very disappointing. He may have initiated something with his ill-timed announcement that could have profound consequences for all of us. I wish Shaun King and his family nothing but the best. I plan to stay and fight for change within my party. Giving up is easy! This is not a personal attack on Mr. Shaun King, I will continue to read and support his activism for positive change. I simply don’t see this as a positive, but an impetuous reaction to a disappointing outcome.